The fatal car accident occurred on Highway 18 in Wilkesboro on Monday afternoon, when a Chevrolet, driven by Maria Pena crossed the center line and collided with a Plymouth van operated by Mary Carlton. Ms. Pena, Ms. Carlton and a passenger in Ms. Carlton's vehicle, Mr. James Carlton were trapped and had to be extricated by rescue personnel and transported from the scene by ambulance. Ms. Pena died from her injuries. Ms. Carlton and her passenger were taken to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem, NC for treatment of their collision related injuries.

For the news account of this fatal car accident, visit:http://www.journalpatriot.com/news/article_0ed5ff7e-c5f9-11e1-8c82-001a4bcf6878.html

While legal claims are a matter of secondary concern following a tragic accident, the truth remains that the accident victims should be very careful to protect their rights to fair compensation following a serious car accident. In cases where the at-fault driver loses her life due to injuries, steps should be taken to properly report all claims against the driver's insurance carrier and against any estate assets. The victim always has a right to forfeit and forgive claim rights. However, if injuries are severe and medical costs are overwhelming, failure to notify the estate administrator of the victims' claims can result in leaving the victim with no avenue of monetary recovery beyond the available auto insurance coverage. Once the estate administrator is advised of potential claims, the estate assets cannot be distributed until the victim's claims and expenses are fairly considered.

For information about North Carolina wrongful death claims or the rights of a motor vehicle accident victim who suffers personal injury due to a collision, contact an experienced North Carolina personal injury lawyer at Nagle & Associates, P.A. This law firm deals only with motor vehicle accident cases. Founding attorney Carl Nagle is a former insurance adjuster and former insurance company lawyer. He stands ready to provide immediate advice through a free consultation to help you understand all of your legal rights and options. Contact the law firm in Winston Salem, NC at (336) 723-4500 or toll free at (800) 411-1583.